Abdulhafiz TeslimNewcastle United supporters have been handed a major reason for optimism ahead of their much-anticipated clash with Liverpool, with Matthias Jaissle already showing signs of transforming the Magpies into a more aggressive, energetic and front-footed side.
Although Newcastle suffered a 2-1 defeat against Bayer Leverkusen at St James’ Park, the result did not tell the entire story. There were several encouraging moments from Jaissle’s team, particularly in the way they pressed their opponents and attempted to win possession high up the pitch.
The German coach arrived with a clear footballing philosophy. He wants Newcastle to play with intensity, aggression and courage, rather than sitting deep and allowing opponents to dictate the tempo. Against Leverkusen, supporters were given an early glimpse of that approach.
Jaissle’s Newcastle already taking shape
Leverkusen opened the scoring inside the first minute through Ibrahim Maza, putting Newcastle on the back foot almost immediately.
However, the Magpies did not allow the early setback to completely disrupt their approach. They continued to press and looked to force mistakes from the visitors.
Their persistence eventually paid off when Malick Thiaw brought Newcastle level shortly before half-time. The defender rose well to meet Anthony Elanga’s deep corner and headed the ball beyond the goalkeeper.
Victor Boniface ultimately restored Leverkusen’s lead in the second half, securing a 2-1 victory for the visitors.
Yet, for Jaissle, the performance offered something much more valuable than the result: evidence that his players are beginning to understand what he expects from them.
The moment that delighted Jaissle
One particular sequence appeared to perfectly capture Jaissle’s footballing philosophy.
Anthony Elanga raced forward to close down Leverkusen goalkeeper Mark Flekken, applying immediate pressure and forcing the Dutch international to put the ball into touch instead of finding one of his teammates.
Jaissle’s reaction from the touchline said everything.
The Newcastle manager applauded the effort, clearly pleased with the commitment shown by his forward.
Moments later, Newcastle went one step further by winning possession deep inside Leverkusen territory from a goal-kick.
That is exactly the type of football Jaissle wants to establish at St James’ Park.
Elanga, Nick Woltemade, Yoane Wissa and Harvey Barnes were joined by Lewis Miley as Newcastle’s attacking players pushed forward and attempted to keep Leverkusen pinned inside their own half.
For supporters, those moments provided a glimpse of what could become one of the defining characteristics of the new Newcastle under Jaissle.
But there is still one BIG problem
Despite the encouraging signs, Newcastle still have a major issue to solve before Liverpool arrive.
Creativity remains a concern.
The Magpies showed plenty of energy and aggression, but they struggled at times to turn their possession and pressing into clear-cut goalscoring opportunities.
That was particularly noticeable when compared with Leverkusen’s Ibrahim Maza.
The youngster repeatedly found dangerous pockets of space and looked capable of producing incisive passes that could unlock Newcastle’s defensive structure.
Newcastle, meanwhile, still need to discover where their goals and creativity will consistently come from.
The introduction of Sean Neave also produced some promising moments, with the youngster involved as Newcastle created two good opportunities.
However, Woltemade is expected to spend the season elsewhere on loan, meaning Jaissle will have important decisions to make regarding his attacking options.
Liverpool clash now looms large
The timing could hardly be more important.
Liverpool are waiting on the other side of the next round of fixtures, and the clash will provide Jaissle with his biggest examination yet.
Before then, Newcastle face Strasbourg, giving the German coach another opportunity to assess his squad and determine which players have done enough to earn a place in his starting XI.
The Strasbourg match could therefore be crucial for several players hoping to convince Jaissle ahead of the Liverpool encounter.
For Newcastle fans, the defeat against Leverkusen should not necessarily be viewed as a major setback.
Instead, the performance provided a mixture of positives and warnings.
The intensity is there. The pressing is beginning to take shape. The players appear increasingly willing to follow Jaissle’s instructions.
Now comes the difficult part: adding creativity, composure and goals to that aggressive foundation.
If Jaissle can find the right balance, Newcastle could become an extremely difficult side to play against.
And with Liverpool next on the horizon, supporters will be hoping that the early signs under their new manager are not simply pre-season flashes, but the beginning of something much bigger at St James’ Park.
Abdulhafiz Teslim
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